On Tuesday, Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli noted that he’s seen enough improvement in Providence defenseman David Warsofsky to merit being placed in the NHL-caliber category.

“I believe he’s as close to an NHL player as you’re going to get from Providence,” Chiarelli said on a conference call.

Although that’s a wonderful checkmark for the Marshfield native’s career, it means the Bruins are in a sticky situation.

“We can’t go into the year with nine NHL defensemen,” Chiarelli said, adding, “I have to do something here, but I’m in no hurry. It may be that we see how the preseason goes, with who’s mixing and matching with whom.”

Chara, Hamilton, Krug and Seidenberg are not going anywhere. It would be difficult to deal McQuaid — coming off a multitude of injuries to his lower body, including season-ending ankle surgery — this summer, although a solid preseason could put him into play.

Chiarelli also made note that Kevan Miller, a natural right shot, can play a little on the left side, which provides valuable flexibility. Hamilton, another right shot, may also eventually play some on his off side.

A right-shot defenseman like Boychuk or McQuaid could bring a solid return, particularly looming unrestricted free agent Boychuk. On the first day of free agency Tuesday, right-hand shots cashed in. Matt Niskanen (Capitals), Anton Stralman (Lightning) and Dan Boyle (Rangers) all received salaries of at least $4.5 million, while even Mark Fayne took the Oilers for four years and $14.5 million. That will set the tone for Boychuk’s negotiations next summer at a starting point of perhaps $6 million.

With that in mind, a player like Boychuk at a discount rate of $3.36 million for next season could generate quite the package before the puck drops Oct. 8.

“You saw what prices were today for defensemen,” Chiarelli said. “I’m happy with the ‘D’ that we have. We have more than enough. I’ve had [general managers] call me for our ‘D’ from the moment we lost [in the playoffs]. They want our ‘D’. They’re coached well, they’ve developed well, so I’m pretty comfortable with what we have.